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E90/E92/E93 · Power

E90/E92/E93 Downpipes

Your E90/E92/E93

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US sedan, coupe and convertible. It doesn't cover the 335d diesel or the E91 wagon.

+20–40 whp (est.)
Expert$250–$5004–8 hrs
All E90/E92/E93 mods

Why do it

The factory cats choke the turbos. Freer-flowing downpipes bring boost on faster and make more power with a tune.

Heads up

Catless downpipes aren't street legal everywhere. Check your local laws.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Catless downpipes aren't street legal everywhere and can trigger a check-engine light. Check your local laws first.
  • Soak every exhaust nut in penetrating oil the night before.
  • Catless downpipes aren't street legal everywhere and can trigger a check-engine light. Check your local laws first.
  • The xDrive front axle is in the way, so the subframe has to drop. Support the engine from above before you loosen it.
  • Catless downpipes aren't street legal everywhere and can trigger a check-engine light. Check your local laws first.
  • Soak every exhaust nut in penetrating oil the night before.
  • Catless downpipes aren't street legal everywhere and can trigger a check-engine light. Check your local laws first.
  • This is a long job on an xDrive. Soak every exhaust nut in penetrating oil the night before.

Steps

  1. Remove the under panel and nuts

    • Raise the car, remove the under panel and undo the lower downpipe nuts.
    Watch this step (Fix it Colton, on an N54 BMW) (1:25–2:18) Watch the lower nuts (2:48–3:18)

  2. Loosen the steering rack

    • Unbolt the steering rack and let it hang so the pipes can come out.
    Watch this step (4:30–7:55)

  3. Remove the O2 sensors

    • Remove the upstream sensors with an O2 socket.
    Watch this step (7:55–12:40)

  4. Remove the old pipes

    • Undo the V-band clamps and the hanger, then pull the pipes out. Take the downstream sensors off them.
    Watch this step (12:40–13:44) Watch the hanger (13:44–15:35) Watch the pipe come out (15:35–16:05) Watch the downstream sensors (16:05–19:06)

  5. Install the new pipes

    • Fit new gaskets, install the rear pipe first, then refit the sensors and V-bands.
    Watch this step (26:08–28:45) Watch the sensors (28:45–29:32) Watch the V-bands (29:32–30:07)

  6. Connect and reassemble

    • Connect the pipes to the midpipe, then bolt the steering rack back up.
    Watch this step (30:07–31:15) Watch the steering rack (31:15–32:03)

  7. Unplug and remove the shields

    • Unplug the O2 sensors up top, raise the car and remove the under shields.
    Watch this step (Zain's Garage, on a 335xi) (0:36–1:07) Watch the shields (1:07–2:14)

  8. Support the engine

    • Set up the engine support bar so the engine stays put.
    Watch this step (3:17–3:51)

  9. Undo the exhaust

    • Undo the exhaust bolts and the bracket. These are the hardest bolts in the job.
    Watch this step (3:51–6:13)

  10. Drop the subframe

    • Undo the engine mount bolts, then lower the subframe evenly. Leave the front bolts partly threaded in.
    Watch this step (8:42–13:44)

  11. Remove the pipes

    • Take out the rear pipe first by turning it sideways, then the front pipe.
    Watch this step (14:18–16:35)

  12. Install the new pipes

    • Fit the rear pipe, then the front. Make sure the exhaust lines up before you tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (18:11–20:23)

  13. Raise the subframe

    • Jack the subframe back up, start the mount bolts by hand so they don't cross-thread, and torque everything.
    Watch this step (20:39–22:19) Watch how to raise it evenly (22:34–23:40)

  14. Clear the top

    • Remove the covers and the strut bar, then unplug the O2 sensors.
    Watch this step (ShopLifeTV, VRSF on an N55 135i) (1:04–4:07) Watch the strut bar (4:07–5:08) Watch the O2 sensors (5:08–7:00)

  15. Clear the bottom

    • Raise the car and remove the braces under the transmission.
    Watch this step (7:00–9:32)

  16. Detach the exhaust

    • Unbolt the exhaust from the downpipe.
    Watch this step (9:32–11:22)

  17. Remove the old pipe

    • Undo the V-band and work the stock pipe out.
    Watch this step (11:22–14:16)

  18. Install the new pipe

    • Move the sensors over, then fit the new pipe with a fresh gasket.
    Watch this step (14:16–15:58) Watch the pipe go in (15:58–18:10)

  19. Reassemble

    • Refit everything and do your final checks.
    Watch this step (18:10–22:03) Watch the final checks (22:03–24:13)

  20. Remove the downpipe

    • Undo the stock downpipe's mounts and connections.
    Watch this step (BAVHAUS, on a 335xi) (10:07–15:01)

  21. Undo the V-band

    • Get to the V-band at the turbo and release it.
    Watch this step (15:01–18:21)

  22. Remove the exhaust

    • Unbolt the exhaust so the pipe has room to come out.
    Watch this step (18:21–21:17) Watch the cat come out (21:17–27:11)

  23. Refit the exhaust

    • Fit the new gaskets, then bolt the rear exhaust back on.
    Watch this step (27:11–31:56) Watch the exhaust go on (31:56–40:48)

  24. Refit the O2 sensors

    • Move the O2 sensors over and plug them in.
    Watch this step (40:48–42:01)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.